Wideband reconfigurable signal generation based on recirculating frequency-shifting using an optoelectronic loop

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Signal Generation
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Wideband signal generation is crucial for advanced radar systems.
• Existing methods often lack reconfigurability and wide bandwidth capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel photonic-assisted reconfigurable wideband signal generator.
• To achieve adjustable time duration, bandwidth, and central frequency for LFM signals.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a frequency-shifting recirculating optoelectronic (FSRO) loop.
• Employing feedback modulation for time and frequency domain signal manipulation.
• Generating extended LFM signals with quadratic phase variation and no phase discontinuity.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated adjustable LFM signal generation in C and X bands.
• Achieved a maximum increase in time-bandwidth product (TBWP) by a factor of 196.
• Successfully applied the generated LFM signals for microwave imaging of rotational targets.

Conclusions:

• The proposed photonic-assisted generator offers reconfigurable wideband LFM signal generation.
• The increased TBWP makes the generated signals suitable for practical radar applications.
• The system shows potential for advanced microwave imaging and radar sensing.